NBI to subpoena Duterte for ‘kill’ remarks

Metro Manila, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) bared plans to summon Vice President Sara Duterte in connection with her controversial statements regarding the safety of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“Kailangan po ang agarang imbestigasyon at mayroon po tayong paraan sa batas na mag-isyu ng subpoena ang National Bureau of Investigation para po paharapin ang ating bise presidente at magbigay-linaw sa kaniyang mga sinabi,”said Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres in a press briefing.

[Translation: An immediate investigation is necessary. And under the law, the National Bureau of Investigation has the authority to issue a subpoena to summon the vice president and seek clarification on her statements]

The government said this step is part of the due process for Duterte as the second highest official.

The NBI said Duterte has five days to respond upon receiving the subpoena. If she fails to comply, the bureau said it could proceed with filing a case against her.

“She will be given an opportunity to present her side. That's the rationale why the NBI is going to send the subpoena in the first place. Ngayon kung hindi siya tumugon, hindi naman po pwede tayo maghintay hanggang sila ay good and ready. Whatever evidence is in the possession of or will be in the possession of the NBI based on its investigation outside any statement or any cooperation coming from them,” said NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

[Translation: If she does not respond, we cannot wait indefinitely. Whatever evidence the NBI has or will gather from its investigation will proceed with its investigation.]

The Department of Justice (DOJ) reiterated that unlike the president, the vice president is not immune from suit.

“She can be the subject of any criminal or administrative case, and the Ombudsman also has the authority to discipline and take necessary measures to deliver on its mandate as the investigator of all high-ranking government officials. So it is within the authority of the Ombudsman to act on this matter as well,” the agency said.

This development marks the latest escalation in the tension surrounding Duterte's remarks, which have raised questions about the boundaries of public discourse and accountability in the political landscape.